Fiji’s men’s hockey team celebrated a significant achievement, as captain Leevan Dutta marked his 50th international cap while leading the team to victory in the Intercontinental Cup held at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. The team triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a final score of 6-3 in the gold medal match, while Vanuatu secured the bronze by defeating Samoa 4-3.
Dutta, who has been playing hockey since he was 15, expressed a sense of pride despite acknowledging that the team didn’t fully execute their strategy in the first half. “We were a bit complacent at the beginning, but found our rhythm in the second half,” he remarked after the match. He also credited the Fiji Hockey Federation for their organization of the Pacific Cup, which eased the travel burden for players and boosted the sport in the region.
The captain highlighted the impressive contributions of young debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen, and George Ravatu, stating, “They showed why they belong in the team,” which adds depth to Fiji’s future in hockey. Dutta dedicated the victory to the team’s families and friends, acknowledging the sacrifices made by his teammates and expressing gratitude for their support.
In an equally commendable performance, the Fiji women’s hockey team also lifted the Pacific Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. They achieved dominant wins, including an 8-2 victory against Samoa in the Intercontinental Cup final, and a nail-biting shootout win against New Zealand Pasifika after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Vanuatu settled for bronze in the Pacific Cup after narrowly losing to Tonga in a shootout.
Both Dutta and the women’s team’s Melba Nautu shone as top goal scorers in their respective tournaments, with Dutta netting 19 goals and Nautu scoring 13. The successful outings of both teams not only highlight the talent within Fijian hockey but also provide a hopeful outlook for the future as they continue to foster young talent and build their legacy in international hockey.
This success is a testament to the growth of hockey in Fiji and the potential for these players to inspire future generations. The ongoing investment in young athletes and the supportive hockey community will undoubtedly carry the sport forward.
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